Case Study
Maria’s Effect on Dominica and Dominica’s Tourism
The Caribbean is familiar with hurricanes. These are closed, low pressure weather systems such that there is anti-clockwise wind circulation in the northern hemisphere. The circulation focus is the “eye” or core where the wind speeds exceed 75 mph.
The impacts of hurricanes are the trifecta of destruction. The rain can continue in torrents for hours, sometimes days, soaking the earth, producing elevated levels of run-off and landslides. The wind gusts in excess of 75 mph can cause destruction, remove roofs, collapse buildings, creating flying debris and uprooting trees (whose root systems have been loosened by the sodden soil). The wave action of the sea, driven by the wind, pounds the beautiful beaches that the Caribbean is known for. The dropping atmospheric pressure and the wind force produce storm surge that is highly destructive.
The Caribbean hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, when the atmospheric conditions are ideal for the formation and development of these destructive weather systems.
Unlike earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunami, hurricanes are visible on satellite imagery and can be tracked and trajectories predicted long before they make landfall. Hurricane hunter aircraft that are seasonally positioned in the Caribbean, traverse the systems, verifying the conditions. National governments issue hurricane watches and warnings to alert the local community of the impending danger.
Pasch, Penny, and Berg (2018) indicate that Hurricane Maria “originated from a well-defined tropical wave that departed the West Coast of Africa on 12th September.” Three days later, showers and thunderstorms increased as the
system showed signs of organization. By September 18, Maria became a 115 mph major hurricane with maximum winds of 167 mph and atmospheric pressure of 922mb. Landfall on the island of Dominica was at 0115 UTC on September 19.
Dominica is a small independent Caribbean country where the population is estimated to be 74,000 and is 751 sq km (CIA World Factbook, 2018). Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” the island is a Green Globe tourism destination hosting approximately 80,000 long-stay visitors and 520,000 cruise ship passengers in any given year. Hiking, trekking, and observing nature, and the rich cultural heritage are features of land-based tourism; whale watching, snorkeling, and scuba diving are features of the aquatic tourism experience. This all changed for Dominica on September 19, 2017.
Winds in Dominica were recorded at 167 mph and maximum observed surface winds of 175 mph.
Storm surge was 3 to 5 ft. above ground level as reported in Puerto Rico. Rainfall and flooding, a maximum observed total of 22.8 inches was recorded in Dominica, resulting in serious flooding and mudslides across the island.
Maria caused 31 direct deaths and 34 missing persons. Catastrophic damage was reported in the country, with the majority of structures damaged or destroyed and most trees and vegetation were downed and/or defoliated. At least $1.61 billion in damage was estimated and agriculture which prior to Maria was the major contributor to the country’s economy, was reported as having been eliminated. There was extensive damage to roads. Power, phone, and Internet service was all cut off.
Damage and losses were estimated at $116.66 million and recovery needs were placed at $20.1 million. Out of the 909 hotel rooms available prior to September 19, only 243 were available post-Maria. It is estimated that 39
percent of the room stock is so severely damaged that it will take a year or more to replace these rooms. (Government of the Commonwealth of
Dominica, 2017).
Discussion Question
You are the owner of a 20-room eco-lodge on the island of Dominica. It is September 14 and you have 10 guests from the United States and the French West Indies staying with you at the lodge. A hurricane watch has been issued. You must prepare the lodge, staff, and guests for this weather event and for the aftermath.
1. Based on the information provided in the case study, what will you do before, during, and after the hurricane to manage your guests, staff, and the physical lodge?